For details on Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity's current and future home projects, visit lakeshorehabitat.org, 12727 Riley St. in Holland, email call (616) 393-8001.

On the last weekend of May, volunteers started building Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity's first Unity Build project of the season, said Lakeshore Habitat community outreach manager Allison Meurer. Even as the home construction progresses, Habitat must raise money to continue helping low-income families with safe, affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry started in the U.S. 38 years ago, growing into an international outreach. The goal, helping a family in need get safe, affordable housing, is a partnership aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. Families help work on houses (along with volunteers and a Habitat supervisor, for safety). Habitat provides a low-cost mortgage to the new owner. Lakeshore Habitat, founded 25 years ago, will celebrate in November such achievements as helping hundreds of people while building more than 125 homes.

Currently, Lakeshore Habitat is working on homes at 67 W. 17th St. and 368 W. 18th St. Potential volunteers must register with the Habitat office, (616) 393-8001, so the volunteer coordinator can properly staff each site. Summer shifts are typically set for some weekdays (including evening hours) and Saturdays. Four properties on West 24th Street, near Christ Memorial Church, are next on the list of future homes. Lakeshore Habitat also runs a home-repair service, with smaller projects that help stabilize a low-income family home.

Payments on the low-interest mortgages are plowed into future projects. But other fundraising is needed.

Last Thursday, Chapter 882 of Woman’s Life members handed over a $3,000 check as part of their Women Build efforts. Habitat hosts a week for all-female volunteer crews once a year, but women are welcome volunteers year-round, Lakeshore Habitat officials said.

Golfers can register for the July 11 Kelly Markatos Memorial golf outing, which supports the "Kelly's House" build. Markatos, 22, was a Lakeshore Habitat intern last summer; she died after returning to college from complications of bulimia. Her family is actively supporting "Kelly's Home." Money is also being raised for this home via sales of a bracelet that holds a rectangular bead inscribed with the words "Kelly's Home" and "Do everything in love," from I Corinthians 16:14.

On July 24, runners can kick in some cash during a 5K run at Christ Memorial Church, which aids Habitat Nicaragua.

The Lakeshore Home Builders Association is raffling off a whimsical children's playhouse, with plans to give half the proceeds to Lakeshore Habitat. Tickets for the "Crooked Playhouse" raffle are $5 and can be purchased at the Lakeshore Home Builders Association office, 211 Lincoln Ave., Holland or by calling (616) 392-6233.